Imaging of the carotid arteries: the role of duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance arteriography, and computerized tomographic arteriography.
Stenosis of the internal carotid artery represents a major cause of stroke, with atherosclerosis representing the major pathophysiology of this stenosis. It is estimated that over 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke annually. A prompt and accurate diagnosis of carotid artery disease is critical when planning a therapeutic strategy. Physical examination is inaccurate in determining the presence and severity of carotid artery disease. Therefore, reliable imaging tests which offer little risk to the patient are required.
Jaff
Michael R
MR
Section of Vascular Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Division of Vascular/Endovascular Surgery, The Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center, Boston 02114, USA. mjaff@partners.org
Goldmakher
Gregory V
GV
Lev
Michael H
MH
Romero
Javier M
JM
D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex